Trip: Isle Royale Explorer

Guide: Michael G.

We enjoyed 7 nights on Isle Royale with our guides Michael Gray and Lisa Deziel. This was a spectacular trip of some 60 miles along the exposed NE coasts of the island. With the exception of our last day, Lake Superior afforded us placid waters with an abundant sighting of the Common Loon, the Common merganser with chicks, the Bald Eagle, the Merlin, beaver, the Kingfisher, the Cedar waxwing, and a distant sighting of an amphibious moose. Michael’s intimate knowledge of the island’s history, including its past fishing and mining extraction industry, location of moose trails into secluded inland lakes, prized fishing holes and campsites were exceptional. His knowledge of the history, flora, fauna & cultures of the island were very informative & revealing. Our trip was well planned, including our meals which included fresh caught, pan-fried Northern trout and Pike, salads and often a baked desert. Breakfasts were not to be missed! Our small group camaraderie never lacked for a sense of humor, long stories, and the occasional reminder that we need to work as a team.

By Connie W. on August 07, 2023

Trip: Isle Royale Explorer

Guide: Michael G.

7 days of kayaking Lake Superior at Isle Royale was amazing. The beauty of both Isle Royale and Lake Superior was incredible. Thank you Michael for guiding us on this trip. We woke up each morning to a beautiful views, great coffee and delicious breakfasts. The days were filled with kayaking, hiking, fishing, and fun. Great meals, including fresh trout and pike. Laughter, friendships, rest, and lake swims filled the evenings. Thank you for the wonderful memories.

By Lavon C. on July 31, 2023

Trip: Learn to Kayak Retreat Weekend: Upscale Kayak Boot Camp

Guide: Lisa D.

Some of the best kayak instruction I have experienced.

By Roger A. on July 06, 2023

Trip: Sleeping Bear Sampler Remix: Learn to Kayak Boot Camp 2024

Guide: Lisa D.

The Sleeping Bear Sampler weekend was great fun! We enjoyed the wonderful food, lodging and beautiful lakes (Lower Herring, Crystal Lake, and Lake Michigan). More importantly, Lisa and Michael helped us work on a number of key kayaking skills - tighter turns , stern rudders, draw strokes, sculling for support, self-rescue techniques, and paddle-float re-entries to name a few. I would highly recommend similar trips with Uncommon Adventures. Lisa and Michael are extremely knowledgeable and are excellent teachers. We look forward to going on more Uncommon Adventures trips in the future!

By Anne H. on July 04, 2023

Trip: Sleeping Bear Sampler Remix: Learn to Kayak Boot Camp 2024

Guide: Lisa D.

We had a great time with Michael and Lisa! We learned a great deal and had a very enjoyable experience. The food and accommodations were top notch. We would definitely recommend this trip to those looking to improve their kayaking skills.

By Curtis W. on July 04, 2023

Trip: Sleeping Bear Sampler Remix: Learn to Kayak Boot Camp 2024

Guide: Lisa D.

Great 3 night program. Lisa (who we often broke off with) provided detailed instructions to us as absolute sea kayaking beginners. She made sure to challenge us, and also gave lots of positive feedback. I am now very confident in my knowledge of basic strokes, my ability to get myself back into a kayak after a fall, and my ability to assist other kayakers in rescue situations. The food was good, healthy, and my gluten free diet was well accommodated. The scenery was very nice and the over night accommodations were clean and comfortable.

By Mckensie W. on July 04, 2023

Trip: Sleeping Bear Sampler Remix: Learn to Kayak Boot Camp 2024

Guide: Michael G.

I really enjoyed the Sleeping Bear sampler weekend. Michael and Lisa did an excellent job getting me familiar with the fundamentals of having a safe and enjoyable time in the kayak. The equipment was top notch and Michael’s cooking was amazing!

By David P. on June 27, 2023

Trip: ACA Coastal Kayaking: L2 Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW)

Guide: Michael G.

Thankyou Michael & Lisa for the excellent food, hospitality, and instruction during the June ACA L2 IDW. I learned a lot about providing instruction. Some of those ideas I will be testing this evening (June 20, 2023) at an intro to kayaking event hosted by the Delta Township (Eaton County Michigan) Library. A special thanks to Becca, an outstanding practice student, and to Ty & Jacqui my fellow students. I can highly recommend Uncommon Adventures if you are looking towards learning how to properly introduce and train folks who want to be safe and adventurous kayakers.

By Richard B. on June 20, 2023

Trip: ACA Coastal Kayaking: L2 Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW)

Guide: Michael G.

The class was very helpful! Michael and Lisa, the instructors, gave great knowledge and helped us improve our skills. There was a great mix of on-land instruction / discussion and on-water practice. The lake we used was close to the place we stayed so it wasn't a huge drive each day. The accommodations were beautiful. The food was phenomenal. They helped us dry our clothes each day so we didn't have to use the outdoor or indoor space as drying racks like other multi-day class situations. Maybe make it a little more clear that we needed to bring our own lunches - i had some extra food with me so that was ok and they did let us know where the grocery was, but I had missed that part of the preparation email. The instructors did a great job of handling the different skillsets presented by the students and there was ample opportunity for peer review and individual instruction/assistance. I like how we used some of our meal times to discuss further plans or even topics so we weren't wasting a minute. And the evening downtime was helpful for recharging.

By Becca E. on June 19, 2023

Trip: ACA Coastal Kayaking: L3 IDW OR ICE OR Update

Guide: Michael G.

Outstanding training experience with great accommodations & food.

By Janice K. on June 13, 2023